ZIMSEC O-Level Mathematics School-Based Project
TITLE:
An Investigation into Water Usage at My School
1. INTRODUCTION
Water is an essential resource required for the daily functioning of schools. It is used for activities
such as drinking, cleaning, flushing toilets, handwashing, food preparation, and watering gardens.
Many schools in Zimbabwe experience water shortages, especially during dry seasons or when
municipal water supply is inconsistent. Because of this, it is important to understand how water is
used within the school environment so that wastage can be reduced and planning can be improved.
This project investigates water usage patterns in different parts of the school by measuring flow
rates, estimating frequency of use, and analysing the total daily consumption. Mathematics is used
through calculations involving averages, rates, percentages, and graphical representation of data.
2. AIM OF THE PROJECT
The aim of this project is to measure, analyse, and present the amount of water used daily at my
school in order to identify major areas of consumption and suggest possible methods of reducing
water wastage.
3. OBJECTIVES
1. To identify major water-use points within the school.
2. To measure flow rates of taps and estimate frequency of daily use.
3. To record water usage data and present it in tables and graphs.
4. To apply mathematical concepts such as averages, percentages, and rates.
5. To draw conclusions and make recommendations on improving water management.
4. METHODOLOGY
The investigation followed a series of steps designed to gather accurate and useful data:
• Step 1: I listed all major water-use areas including toilets, handwashing points, the school kitchen,
the garden, and staff room.
• Step 2: I measured the flow rate of taps by timing how long it took to fill a 1-litre container. Flow
rate was calculated using the formula:
Flow rate = 1 litre / time in seconds.
• Step 3: I observed how many times taps and toilets were used during peak hours such as break
time and lunch time. I also collected information from the school caretaker and teachers.
• Step 4: Data was collected over five consecutive school days to ensure more accurate averages.
• Step 5: The collected data was analysed using mathematical tools such as tables, percentages,
bar charts, and averages.
5. DATA COLLECTION
5.1 Flow Rate Measurements
Handwashing taps and other water points were measured to determine how fast each point
releases water. This helps in estimating how much water is used with each use.
5.2 Daily Usage Estimates
The number of uses per day and the average amount of water used per activity were recorded
based on observations and caretaker reports.
5.3 Total Daily Water Consumption
All water-usage points were combined to determine the total daily water consumption at school.
6. ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA
After gathering the data, mathematical tools were used to analyse and present the results. Bar
graphs and percentage calculations helped illustrate the differences between usage points.
Averages over five days were also calculated to smooth out day-to-day variations.
7. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
The analysis showed that toilets consume the highest amount of water, making up more than half of
the school’s total daily water usage. Handwashing was the second-largest consumer. The kitchen
and garden used moderate amounts, while the staff room consumed the least water. The school
uses an average of approximately 1336 litres of water per day.
8. CONCLUSION
The investigation successfully identified how water is distributed across different parts of the school.
Toilets and handwashing points are the largest consumers. This information is important because it
can help administrators implement strategies to save water and avoid shortages.
9. RECOMMENDATIONS
• Install low-flush toilet systems to reduce toilet water consumption.
• Repair or replace leaking taps to prevent water loss.
• Encourage responsible water use among students through awareness campaigns.
• Water gardens during early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.
• Consider installing water storage tanks for backup supply.
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Interview with school caretaker
• School observations and measurements
• Mathematics textbooks (rates, averages, percentages)
